Celebrity Role Model

Hi everyone, this week I was reading an article on how famous people (singers, actors, footballers etc) must be good role models to young people; that is, they must act responsibly because they influence millions of young people. Miley Cyrus was particularly criticised for her new video (below), which many deam to be "too sexy" for her young fan base and thus not suitable. Take a look at the video and let me know what you think? Do you think that famous people have a duty to society to act in a specific way? Or do you think they should be free to do as they wish? All comments are welcome!!!

Hi all,

Hope you all had a good Easter break and are studying hard for your mid-term exams!

Here is an article about Shakira's visit to Haiti. I would like to hear your thoughts on famous people highlighting the plight of people in need. Do you think it is noble work? Or do you think celebrities do it to promote themselves? Also, do you think its right that people only donate money to a country like Haiti when it has an earthquake and not before when it was still the poorest Latin American country. Any thoughts you have on this subject are much appreciated :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8614916.stm

Piracy

Hi all, I have just read this BBC article about piracy and its effects on the economy. Piracy of films and music is rife throughout the world and I was hoping you might give your opinions on it. Do you agree with the article? Will piracy ultimately lead to unemplyment and less investment in creative arts? Or do you consider there to be no problem buying pirated films and music? Do you consider file sharing to be a legitimate way to access films and music? Let me know what you think :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8573162.stm

Hi all, sorry for not posting last week - everything was a little hectic with the acreditation visit! This week I would like to change the topic of discussion from music to art. These pieces are from a famous street artist called Banksy. Do you consider them to be art? Or would you call them graffiti? Do you think there is a difference between street art and graffiti? Let us know your thoughts on Banksy's work and what you consider to be worthy of the title "art".

What sort of music do you like?

Here is a newish Scottish musician, Paolo Nutini, that I have been listening to recently. What do you think? What is the song about? Is this your cup of tea? I look forward to hearing your thoughts :)

Welcome Back!!!

Dear students,

I would like to welcome you all back to the university :) I hope you have all enjoyed your well-deserved break and are ready to start studying again. This semester I have been given the task of providing posts for the blog each week for students to comment on. The idea is that students can use the blog as an informal space where they can put their English into practice.

I invite you all to participate!

I look forward to seeing you in the classes,

Simon.

Students from our departmet attended the National Symposium on Bilingualism

Six students from our department had the opportunity to participate in the 1st National Symposium in Bilingualism organized by the Ministry of Education. This symposium was held in Armenia, from the 27th, to the 29th September.

The six students will share with you their experiences in this event.